Chapter 350

The antiseptic scent of the hospital assaulted my senses as I stood outside the door to Kamran's room, my heart heavy with a mix of anxiety and apprehension. Beside me, Timothy and Andy disappeared into the room, leaving me feeling slightly unwelcome in their presence. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed softly, casting a sterile glow over the hallway, while the distant hum of medical equipment provided a constant backdrop to my thoughts.

I hugged my arms around myself, trying to ward off the chill that seemed to seep into my bones. The weight of recent events pressed down on me like a suffocating blanket, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. Mia's betrayal had shattered the fragile semblance of normalcy I had managed to cling to, leaving me adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

As I waited, a wave of sorrow washed over me, the loss of the only family I had ever known threatening to engulf me. What would become of my mother now, alone and adrift in the wake of her own actions? Guilt gnawed at my insides, a relentless reminder of the role I had played in bringing Mia to justice.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching, and I turned to see Timothy emerging from the room, a warm smile lighting up his face. Relief flooded through me at the sight of him, safe and sound, like I’d always wanted.

"Evie," he said, extending his hand towards me. "My father would like to speak with you."

I looked at him in confusion, unsure of what to make of his words. His father didn’t even want to look at me the last time we spoke, likely annoyed by my attempts at trying to change his views. Despite my misgivings, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity at the prospect of speaking with Kamran.

Hesitantly, I placed my hand in Timothy’s, allowing him to lead me into the room. The sterile surroundings seemed to blur around me as we entered, my senses overwhelmed by the sight of Kamran lying in the hospital bed before me. He looked pale and frail, but there was a light in his eyes as he saw me, a warmth that seemed to chase away any doubts I’d had about his intentions.

"Evie," he said, his voice weak but filled with gratitude. "Thank you for seeing me. I needed to speak to the woman responsible for saving my life."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling heavily upon me. "I...I didn't do it alone," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kamran smiled, his gaze unwavering as he gestured for me to take a seat beside him. "Nevertheless," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I am grateful to you for your bravery."

I hesitated at the invitation. Despite everything that had transpired between us, Kamran's gratitude filled me with a sense of warmth and acceptance that I hadn't realized I'd been craving.

The sterile scent of the hospital room further filled my nostrils as I sat beside Kamran's bed, the faint beeping of the machines providing a steady backdrop to the heavy silence that hung in the air. Kamran lay still, his face pale against the crisp white sheets, his eyes half-shut as if lost in some distant dream.

Beside me, Timothy and Andy stood, their expressions neutral as they watched over Kamran and I. I glanced at them, seeking guidance, unsure of what to say or do in such an odd situation.

Timothy nodded slowly, urging me to indulge in the moment. “My father’s not usually this open, so it might be the drugs pumping through his system. Take advantage of it while you can.”

Feeling a surge of uncertainty wash over me, I turned back to Kamran. "I don't know what to say," I admitted softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You don’t have to say much. I...I severely misjudged you, Evie," Kamran confessed, his voice laced with regret. "I realize now that I hadn't been thinking rationally those past couple of months. I let my anger and hurt cloud my judgment."

His words hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension settling over the room. I struggled to process the magnitude of his admission, grappling with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Part of me yearned to forgive him, to believe that he truly regretted his actions. But another part remained guarded, wary of being hurt again.

"I understand," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for saying that, Kamran."

But even as I spoke the words, doubts lingered in the back of my mind. Could I truly trust him again after everything that had happened?

"I'm sorry, Evie," Kamran continued, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "I didn’t want to see the truth, and I shunned you for it, and almost ruined another relationship with my denial. I hope that one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

“I don’t see why not.” I forced a smile, trying to hide my shock at Kamran's sudden change of heart. “You thought you’d found the right person for you. You didn’t want to lose her.”

A flash of hurt crossed his face, and I realized that my assumption had been spot on. Whether he was caught between mourning Lydia or chasing a dream with Mia, rationality hadn’t been factored in much at all.

Taking a deep breath, I reached out and gently squeezed his hand, hoping to offer some small measure of comfort. "Kamran," I began softly, "I know things have been tough for you lately. But I want you to know that when the time comes, you'll find the right woman."

Kamran's lips twitched in a faint smile, his eyes fluttering open to meet mine. "You think so, Evie?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, a reassuring smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I do," I replied earnestly. "But for now, I think it's important for you to focus on healing, to give yourself the time and space you need to come to terms with everything that's happened."

Kamran's gaze softened, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Thank you, Evie," he said quietly. "That means a lot to me."

I squeezed his hand again, offering him a supportive smile. "You're welcome, Kamran," I said gently. "We're all here for you, every step of the way."

Kamran let out a soft chuckle, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "You know," he said with a wry grin, "maybe a break from romance wouldn't be such a bad thing. It nearly killed me the last time."

I couldn't help but laugh at his joke, the tension in the room easing ever so slightly. "Well," I teased, "I think you've earned a break, don't you?"

Kamran nodded, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "I suppose I have," he agreed with a playful wink. "But who knows? Maybe one day, when I'm feeling up to it, I'll give love another shot."

I smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and hope blossoming within me. "I'll be rooting for you every step of the way," I promised, releasing his hand.

I glanced back at Timothy, smiling at the implication of his father’s approval of me. He met my gaze with a reassuring nod, stepping forward to take charge of the situation.

"We'll let you get some rest, Dad," Timothy said softly, pulling the covers over Kamran’s arms. "We'll check back later, okay?"

Kamran smiled weakly, the tired lines of his face deepening. "Thank you, son," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "And thank you, Evie, for everything."

As we made our way out of the hospital room, the weight of exhaustion settled over me like a heavy blanket. The events of the past few days had taken their toll, leaving me feeling drained and weary.

I turned to Timothy and Andy, a weary smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Do you guys want to head back to the hotel?" I asked. “I’m beat.”

They nodded in agreement, and I could tell the day had taken a toll on them as well. Together, we made our way out of the hospital, the promise of rest and respite beckoning us home.